Library and Reading Room Cards
Who can borrow books?
The library of the Ibero-American Institute (IAI) is open to interested users aged eighteen and older. There are two types of user IDs: If you are a resident of Berlin or a student or staff member of an institute of higher education in Berlin, Postdam or Frankfurt/Oder, you may borrow books for home use (Library Card). We make materials available to all other users in the reading room (Reading Room Card).
What does a user ID cost and how long is it valid?
The Library Card costs €25 and the Reading Room Card €10. Both are valid for 365 days.
If you already have a valid twelve-month ID for the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin (Berlin State Library), we will issue you an IAI ID for the same period free of charge.
How do I apply for an ID?
Please bring your ID or passport and the fee (in cash) to the reference counter. Our staff will issue you a user ID immediately.
To apply for a Library Card to take books home with you, we require the following documents:
Berlin residents please bring confirmation of your registration with the authorities (Anmeldebestätigung) or your ID.
Students or staff members of a university in Berlin, Potsdam or Frankfurt/Oder are asked to provide proof of university affiliation (student ID, employment contract, etc.).